Daystar University Repository
Not a member yet
5687 research outputs found
Sort by
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Emotional Dysregulation in Youth with Substance Use Disorders In Kiambu, Kenya
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in Clinical PsychologyThis study explored the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in treating emotional dysregulation among youth with substance use disorder (SUD) in rehabilitation centers. Emotional dysregulation is the difficulty in identifying and managing emotional experiences in an adaptive manner. It contributes to substance cravings and relapse, yet limited research exists on DBT’s impact in Kenyan rehabilitation settings. This study focused on four rehabilitation centers in Kiambu County to bridge this gap. The study evaluated DBT’s role in improving emotional regulation, reducing substance cravings, and managing comorbid affective disorders to enhance mental well-being of the youth. Specific objectives included assessing DBT’s impact on emotional dysregulation, examining its effect on substance cravings, and determining its contribution to psychological stability. Grounded in Linehan's DBT Theory of Change, the Biopsychosocial-Cultural framework, and Schachter’s Two-Factor Theory, a quasi-experimental design was employed with intervention and control groups. A total of 108 participants were purposively selected, with 68 receiving structured DBT sessions incorporating group skills training, while the control group underwent Treatment as Usual (TAU). Data was collected using validated instruments, including the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS). The study found that emotional dysregulation was highly prevalent among the youth in rehabilitation centres in Kiambu, Kenya, with 89.8% of respondents exhibiting mild to severe symptoms. Depression affected 94.2% of participants with ED, of which 72.8% had severe levels, while anxiety was comorbid with ED at 75.2%, with 33.3% reporting moderate and 22.9% severe symptoms. Emotional dysregulation was significantly correlated with both depression (r = .473, p < .001) and anxiety (r = .372, p < .001) and also showed a strong association with substance cravings (r = .37, p < .001). Socio-demographic factors had limited predictive power; gender was the only significant variable, with females scoring higher on emotional dysregulation (B = 5.996, p = .050), and income level was linked to difficulty accessing emotion regulation strategies (χ² = 12.798, p = .025). Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) demonstrated substantial effectiveness, with the experimental group showing significant reductions in emotional dysregulation (t(33) = 17.86, p < .001, d = 3.06), depression (t(32) = 17.30, p < .001, d = 3.01), and anxiety (t(32) = 8.16, p < .001, d = 1.42) from baseline to midline, with gains sustained through endline. These findings underscore the high burden of emotional and psychological distress in this population and the therapeutic value of DBT in addressing these challenges.Daystar Universit
Influence of Paternal Absence on Academic Performance of Adolescents in Selected Schools, Kiminini Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Counselling PsychologyHigh academic performance is strongly linked to family dynamics and the degree of parental involvement, with numerous studies emphasizing the importance of a father’s role. However, the number of single-parent households has been increasing, leaving many children to grow up without a father figure. This absence can negatively affect adolescents, potentially resulting in lower academic success. This study explored the relationship between father absence and academic performance of adolescents in selected schools from Kiminini sub-county, Trans-Nzioa County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine the prevalence of father absence in adolescent students, assess academic performance of adolescent students affected by father absence in selected schools Kiminini Sub- County, examine the link between academic performance and sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent students and analyse whether father absence affects the academic performance of adolescent students in selected schools in Kiminini Sub-county, Trans-Nzioa. Rooted in Attachment Theory (1969/1982) by John Bowlby and Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (1986), this study adopted a descriptive research design, targeting 326 form two students and 46 teachers drawn from two selected schools in Kiminini Sub-County. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the sample's characteristics, while inferential statistics helped in generalizing findings to the broader population. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires with both learners and teachers. The findings portrayed a notable difference in academic performance between students from father-absent families and those with a father present. Students without a father figure performed less well in school compared to their peers from father present families. These findings have created insight on the impact of how the absence of a male parent in a family affects the academic performance of adolescent students in Trans Nzioa County.Daystar Universit
Assessing the Role of Kengen’s Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station in Peacebuilding Among Communities in Turkwel River Basin (2015–2025)
No full textMaster of Arts in Diplomacy, Development and International SecurityKenya’s Vision 2030 promotes large-scale infrastructure to achieve economic growth and social stability; however, the peacebuilding potential of these projects in fragile and conflict-affected areas remains insufficiently studied. This study examines the Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station, managed by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), to evaluate its role in fostering peace and collaboration between the Pokot and Turkana communities in Turkwel, where the project is located. Historical land-related contestations and resource competition have fueled tensions in this region, making it a critical case for assessing the role of infrastructure in bridging divides. The study specifically investigates KenGen’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and project operations, analysing their impact on community relations, equitable resource access, and conflict dynamics. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, blending quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive analysis. Household surveys were administered to 95 respondents within the power station through semi-structured questionnaires to examine access to services, perceived fairness in CSR benefits, and community trust in KenGen’s impacts on social cohesion. Focus Group Discussions of about 10 participants from the Pokot and Turkana peace committees gathered insights on community perceptions of peace outcomes from project activities. Additionally, 21 key informant interviews were undertaken with KenGen’s senior management, CSR and community relations officers, county and national government officials, and leaders of public benefit organisations driving peacebuilding efforts. For more contextual depth, a secondary data review of KenGen reports, government policies, and peace program evaluations was undertaken. This study addresses a critical gap: while prior research emphasises the economic impacts of hydroelectric projects, their peacebuilding potential in ethnically diverse, conflict-affected settings like Turkwel remains underexplored. The findings offer a methodological framework for assessing similar projects across East Africa, guiding policymakers and energy companies to align infrastructure with sustainable peacebuilding. Inspired by ongoing community dialogues in Turkwel, this study aims to inform strategies that foster equitable development and social harmony in fragile regions.Daystar Universit
An Assessment of Water Resource Management and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in Isiolo County, Kenya
No full textMASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development and International SecurityIn a world where resource scarcity often leads to conflict, particularly in areas where communities rely heavily on shared natural resources, understanding how resource management can foster peace is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between resource scarcity and conflict transformation in Isiolo County Kenya, focusing on the Borana, Samburu and Turkana communities. These communities have historically faced tensions and violent conflicts over limited natural resources, particularly water and grazing land. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the resource management practices currently being used in Isiolo County, to explore the role of community leadership in managing resources and then to assess the effectiveness of government policies and interventions on resource management in Isiolo County. The study was grounded in Resource Scarcity and Social Ecological Resilience. The study employed convergent parallel mixed methods research design. Data was collected from local community members, resource management experts and key stakeholders involved in conflict resolution. The findings of the study established that conflict in pastoral communities stems from competition over grazing lands, especially during droughts. While water resource management has improved through storage tanks and dug wells, community involvement in grazing land remains inconsistent. Community leaders, through grazing committees, play a key role in enforcing sustainable grazing practices and reducing conflict. The government has significantly contributed through enactment of policies such as Water Act 2016 National Rangeland Management Policy 2021. Nonetheless, challenges like ethnic tensions, political instability, economic hardships and limited community participation need inclusive and transparent approaches. The study recommended that cohesive and mutual collaboration between government and community guided a structured engagement with emphasis on inclusive grazing management systems. Moreover, pastoralist communities should strengthen and expand the role of community leaders through formalization process and ensuring grazing committees’ function effectively with defined governance structure. Government should strengthen the existing policies to enhance sustainable use of natural resources such water and pasture that are vital in livestock rearing in dry areas.Daystar Universit
Strategic Resilience, Industry Regulations, and Performance of Shipping Companies in Kenya
No full textDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION Strategic Management and InnovationKenyan-based shipping companies face mounting performance inefficiencies due to stringent regulations, even as 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value moved by sea in 2023, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced strategic resilience. These challenges contribute to higher operating expenses and delays in acquiring permits to comply with regulations. This study assessed the effect of strategic resilience on the performance of shipping companies in Kenya, which was moderated by shipping industry regulations. The objectives of the study were: to establish the influence of risk management, resource diversification, collaborative relationships, and supply chain agility on the performance of shipping companies in Kenya, and to determine the moderating effect of shipping industry regulations on the relationship between strategic resilience and performance. Their performance is assessed from the financial, customer, business process, and organizational learning perspectives. The industry regulations addressed include the safety regulations in the Merchant Shipping Act (2012), maritime security provisions detailed in the Maritime Transport Policy (2024), and the environmental protection standards established by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA). The study was grounded in the Organizational Resilience Theory (ORT), Institutional Theory, and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) theory. The study used a mixed-methods research approach, and the research philosophy was from a pragmatist perspective. The research design was an explanatory sequential design. The study’s population was 9,961, with a sample size of 172 respondents from Kenya’s shipping industry. The researcher used a census approach due to the relatively small sample and collected data through semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. The researcher assessed content, construct, and criterion validity. Construct validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), content validity was assessed using the content validity index (CVI), and criterion validity was established by comparing instrument outcomes with external performance data to evaluate predictive accuracy. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency reliability, measured using Cronbach's alpha. Pretesting of the research instrument was done using 17 respondents from shipping companies at Nairobi’s Inland Container Depot. Data analysis was conducted on quantitative data using descriptive and inferential analysis and presented in tables and charts. Moderated multiple regression analysis was done to analyze relationships among the study variables. The primary assumptions of regression analysis, like linearity tests, independence of errors, homoscedasticity, normality of residuals, and absence of multicollinearity, were tested. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data to identify patterns and insights after meeting the data saturation threshold. Findings revealed that supply chain agility had the strongest positive and statistically significant influence on performance (R² = 0.524, p < 0.05), followed by collaborative relationships (R² = 0.275, p < 0.05), resource diversification (R² = 0.077, p < 0.05), and risk management (R² = 0.053, p < 0.05). Industry regulations were found to significantly moderate the relationship between strategic resilience and performance (R² = 0.154, p<0.05). The study concludes that supply chain agility is the most influential strategic resilience capability. It recommends that shipping companies institutionalize adaptive resilience frameworks and that policymakers recalibrate regulatory environments to foster industry collaborations to enhance performance.Daystar Universit
Product Differentiation Strategy and Competitive Advantage of Safaricom PLC in Kenya
No full textMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Strategic ManagementThe telecommunication industry in Kenya is quite competitive, with Safaricom Plc dominating the industry, while other firms have been affected by stagnated growth, leading to poor service quality and slow growth in the industry. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of product differentiation techniques on competitive advantage at Safaricom Plc by comparing product differentiation and competitive advantage strategies. The objectives of the study were to: identify the product differentiation strategies being used by Safaricom Plc, assess the level of competitive advantage enjoyed by Safaricom Plc in the telecommunication industry, and establish the effect of product differentiation strategies on the competitive advantage of Safaricom Plc. The main theories used in the study include the Three Horizons Theory, Porter’s Generic Strategy, and the Resource-based theory. The study used a mixed-methods research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire adopted from various scholars in line with the study objectives. Questionnaires were distributed using online platforms. The Study used stratified sampling with a target population of 4,854 Safaricom permanent employees and a sample size of 357 employees. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential analysis, specifically a regression model, in outlining the relationship between the variables. The results showed that pricing had the strongest effect of competitive advantage (β = 0.0842, p < 0.05), followed by design (β = 0.0682, p < 0.05) and product features (β = 0.0582, p < 0.05). However, the analysis shows that branding has no significant impact on the quality of competitive advantage. The study recommends that telecom companies in Kenya invest in quality-based differentiation, innovation, and value-based branding to enhance their competitive advantage, noting that Safaricom has successfully leveraged these strategies through initiatives like M-Pesa and Fuliza. Future research should explore how specific innovations tied to differentiation strategies contribute to sustaining Safaricom’s competitive edgeDaystar Universit
Multigenerational Strategies, Organizational Culture and Organizational Performance of Kenya Defence Forces
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management and InnovationIn a dynamic organizational environment, institutions such as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are increasingly composed of multigenerational workforces, ranging from Baby Boomers to Generation Z. However, the KDF lacks a well-defined multigenerational strategy that aligns this workforce diversity with its Organizational performance goals. This absence has contributed to observable breakdowns in communication, reduced cohesion, leadership friction, and declining morale, particularly during intergenerational handovers and operational deployments. This study sought to examine the effect of multigenerational strategies and organizational culture on the Organizational performance of the Kenya Defence Forces. The study’s specific objectives were to examine the effect of open communication on Organizational performance in the Kenya Defence Forces; assess the effect of flexible work arrangement on Organizational performance in the Kenya Defence Forces; evaluate the effect of reciprocal mentoring on Organizational performance in the Kenya Defence Forces; establish the effect of training development on Organizational performance in the Kenya Defence Forces; determine how rganizational culture moderates the relationship between multigenerational strategies and Organizational performance in the Kenya Defence Forces. The study was guided by the Social Learning Theory and Cohort Theory, which collectively explain how generational characteristics affect work, communication, collaboration learning, behavior, and institutional alignment. Adopting a mixed methods research design grounded in the pragmatist paradigm, the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data through structured questionnaires and interviews. All constructs were reliable, scoring a Cronbach Alpha value of more than 0.7. Additionally, the Composite Reliability score of 0.861 revealed the research instrument had internal consistency and was therefore valid. The target population comprised 763 personnel at Isiolo Barracks, which included Top-Level Leadership, Middle-Level Leadership, Tactical-Level Leadership and servicemen. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select a representative sample of 262 respondents, where 229 filled questionnaires and 33 comprising of middle-leadership were interviewed. The questionnaire response rate was 193 participants, translating to 74% of the sample. Additionally, 20 individuals were interviewed, which was a response rate of 60%. All constructs had a significant effect on organizational performance. Open communication was very significant at 0.463 (p-value < 0.001), flexible work arrangement had a coefficient of 0.329 coefficient (p-value < 0.001), reciprocal mentoring coefficient of 0.468 (p-value < 0.001), and training and development a coefficient of 0.737 (p-value < 0.001). Additionally, the p-value of 0.001872, which was less than 0.005 revealed its moderating influence of organizational culture on the relationship between multigenerational strategies and Organizational performance. Qualitative analysis revealed that Kenya Defence Forces is addressing generational workforce challenges through a mentorship program and strong institutional culture, aiming to integrate new technology and flexible leadership styles. This strategy fosters a synergy where experience and innovation complement each other, leading to gradual improvements in mission readiness, unit cohesiveness, and organizational performance. The study recommended a training program on psychological safety and structured communication, leader-endorsed flexible work arrangement program, formalized structured reciprocal mentoring program, integrated knowledge fusion training initiative and aligning institutional cultural transmission.Daystar Universit
An Investigation into Psychosocial Determinants of Khat use among Youth in Wote Town, Makueni County, Kenya
No full textMasters in Clinical PsychologyKhat use is a growing public health concern among youth in Eastern Africa. This study investigated psychosocial determinants of khat use among youth aged 18-35 years in Wote Town, Makueni County, Kenya. The specific objective includes; to examine the sociodemographic characteristics of youth using khat in Wote Town, Makueni County, Kenya, to determine the prevalence of khat use among youth in Wote Town, Makueni County, Kenya, to evaluate the psychosocial factors influencing khat use among youth in Wote Town, Makueni County, Kenya, to examine the relationship between psychosocial factors and the sociodemographic characteristics of youth using khat in Wote Town, Makueni County, Kenya. Grounded in Problem Behavior Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Stress-Coping Theory, the research employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. Multi-stage sampling selected 179 participants from different geographical zones. Data collection utilized the WHO ASSIST tool, structured questionnaires, and key informant interviews with 12 stakeholders. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that 93.3% of participants demonstrated moderate to high-risk khat use patterns. The typical user profile included males (65.4%), older youth aged 26-35 years (69.8%), and economically vulnerable individuals (58.1% earning below 5,000 KES monthly). Early initiation was common, with 75.4% beginning use before age 21, peaking at ages 16-20 years (58.1%). Peer pressure (49.7%) and stress coping (48.6%) were primary initiation factors, while environmental accessibility received the highest agreement rating (M=3.94). Significant associations existed between demographic characteristics and khat risk levels, particularly educational background (χ²=39.652, p=0.000) and religious affiliation (χ²=36.965, p=0.000). Psychological distress showed the strongest correlation with khat risk levels (r=.51, p<.01), while income demonstrated protective effects (r=-.35, p<.01). The study concluded that khat use among youth represents a multifaceted phenomenon requiring comprehensive interventions addressing psychological, social, economic, and environmental determinants. Results inform evidence-based recommendations for prevention programs, policy development, and mental health services targeting youth populations in Kenya and Eastern Africa.Daystar Universit
An Interrogation of The Censorship Mechanisms Governing Offensive Filmed Content in Kenya
No full textMaster of Arts in CommunicationThe creative economy in Kenya has faced frequent conflicts between the government and creatives regarding regulations on content broadcasting and publishing. The government often flags content as provocative, while creatives defend their constitutional right to freedom of expression. For instance, the Kenya Film Classification Board (K.F.C.B.) has banned several films and music videos, highlighting the tension. This research examines the regulatory framework governing Kenya’s filmed content industry through the lens of two theories. The libertarian theory emphasizes the audience's ability to discern good and harmful content independently and supports creatives' rights to broadcast freely. In contrast, the social responsibility theory stresses the obligation of creatives to produce content that is fair, objective, and serves the public interest. These opposing perspectives may explain the ongoing disputes. The study employs qualitative methods to explore this dynamic, focusing on three key groups: content creators, government officials linked to regulatory bodies, and scholarly or relevant documents on the topic. The research population will exclusively consist of Kenyans to ensure relevance and context-specific insights. By analyzing the perspectives of content creators, government officials, and scholarly documents, the study found that the conflict is largely fueled by unclear regulatory guidelines, limited stakeholder engagement, and differing interpretations of what constitutes socially responsible content. Creatives generally perceive the regulations as overly restrictive and inconsistent, while regulators emphasize the need to protect vulnerable audiences and uphold public morality. The findings suggest that the tension is not purely about freedom versus control but also about gaps in communication, transparency, and mutual understanding between the two side.Daystar Universit
